Former Rocklin Jr. Thunder president arrested for embezzlement

The former president of the Rocklin Junior Thunder Football and Cheer Association has been arrested for embezzling over $20,000 from the organization, according to the Rocklin Police Department.

On Dec. 5, Rocklin PD received a report alleging that the president of Rocklin Junior Thunder Football and Cheer Association, Stephanie Ann Abercrombie of Rocklin, had embezzled funds that had been entrusted to her for the daily operations of the nonprofit youth sports organization. After several weeks of investigation, it was determined that Abercrombie had embezzled over $20,000 from the Rocklin Junior Thunder, according to the report.

“She was actually making some counterfeit invoices, and then making deposits and giving the treasurer information that she had paid things, when in actuality things were being paid back to herself,” explained Rocklin Police Sgt. Bart Paduveris.

At about 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, detectives from the Rocklin PD Investigative Unit responded to Abercrombie’s residence and placed her under arrest. Abercrombie, 41, was taken into custody without incident and was transported to the Placer County Jail in Auburn, where she was booked on charges of burglary, embezzlement over $400 and forgery. The Placer County Jail's booking report shows that Abercrombie was booked and released the same day. No bail was set.

Paduveris said the incidents happened many different times, and the investigation is looking back as far as January 2012. Abercrombie had been president for the last two years, he added. So far, none of the money has been recovered, he added.

A statement from Rocklin Jr. Thunder explained that during the end of the 2012 season, board members noticed discrepancies in financial records, which were reviewed by board members and an independent bookkeeper, who had been hired to reconcile the books for the 2012 season. The discrepancies were confirmed, the police were notified and the investigation began.

“In early December, the lead detective from the Rocklin Police Department met with the RJT board of directors and shared his findings regarding the alleged embezzlement of RJT funds. Later that evening, in light of those findings, the RJT board voted to remove Stephanie Abercrombie as president.”

The statement added that no other 2012 board members have been found to be involved in the alleged acts.

“The RJT board of directors has begun to implement additional measures with stricter procedures and guidelines to better ensure the financial integrity of our program in the future,” the statement reads. “We have also begun work in preparation for our 2013 season, and remain committed to providing a program that maintains the highest standards and promotes a fun and positive experience for everyone involved. We will continue to work together to move forward and past our current circumstances. We will not let the actions of one person define our organization, and are dedicated to preserving and promoting the great football and tradition of Rocklin Jr. Thunder.”

Anyone with further information is encouraged to call the Rocklin Police Department at 625-5400.